AC Transit is giving away free rides this month to everyone who boards a “holiday” bus that is rotated around to serve a different route each day. AC makes it a seasonal practice to decorate one bus, cover the fare box, and waive the $2 bus fare.

“A free bus ride might be a small thing,” said Mary King, the interim AC Transit general manager, “but it is a way to show that we care about our passengers and the communities we serve. And maybe—hopefully—it will bring smiles at a time when smiles are badly needed, making this season a little bit brighter for all of us.”

The holiday bus operates through Dec. 31 in the district’s service area in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.